Former West Brom figure leaves Newcastle United for Premier League foes
A former West Bromwich Albion figure has completed a move between two Premier League rivals.
Dan Ashworth has officially left Newcastle United to become Manchester United’s new sporting director following a settlement agreement.
The former West Brom youth team manager and technical director agreed to switch Newcastle for Manchester in February but he has been on gardening leave ever since. He’s now finally able to start work with Man Utd to join the new Ineos management model established by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
“Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations,” a joint statement said. “The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future.”
The Magpies were first demanding around £20 million from Man Utd as compensation but only £2 million was offered, hence the extended period of gardening leave. But the Red Devils have now taken advantage of Newcastle’s ongoing issues with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, offering a slightly higher figure that simply had to be accepted.
Ashworth, who spent more than eight years with West Brom between March 2004 and September 2012, joined Newcastle in 2022. Before that, he was at Brighton & Hove Albion for nearly three years and within the England setup for over half a decade.
The 53-year-old will now work closely with Ratcliffe and the rest of the Man Utd board to direct a vital transfer window. Erik ten Hag, set to be assisted by Ruud van Nistelrooy, has been kept on as the Red Devils’ manager and will also have a say in who stays or goes.